Stephenson appointed Met Commissioner

As widely anticipated, Sir Paul Stephenson is set to become the next Met Police Commissioner, replacing Ian Blair who resigned last year after learning he lacked the support of Mayor Boris Johnson.

Sir Paul has been Acting Commissioner since December 1st. He was previously Assistant Chief Constable Merseyside Police in October 1994, where he was responsible for Territorial Policing Operations and Deputy Chief Constable Lancashire Constabulary before being appointed Chief Constable in July 2002.

In March 2005 Sir Paul was appointed Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service.

In a statement issued by Scotland Yard, Sir Paul said: “I am today an immensely proud policeman, to be entrusted with leadership of the Met and delivering security for the many millions who live in and visit London.

“My agenda for the coming years is straightforward – it’s about cutting and solving crime, securing our streets, convincing all our communities that we are on their side and delivering the policing they want, and being intolerant of violence in any form.

“Our job is to be visible on the streets, never walking by when help is needed and having pride in our uniform, our badge and the world famous Scotland Yard brand.

“In short, we must deliver. It’s my job to lead this and I will both need and expect the support of everyone in the Met to deliver it. It’s going to be challenging, but I am hugely excited by it.”

Stephenson beat Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde to the post in an appointment process which saw Mayor of London Boris Johnson clash with Home Secretary Jacqui Smith over the right to influence the decision.

Dee Doocey, a Liberal Democrat Assembly Member who also sits on the Metroopolitan Police Authority, commented: “After a period of division and infighting within the Met it is now time to rebuild and go forward in delivering effective policing across the capital.”